Toyota C-HR in review

What has the motoring press said?

The UK’s motoring press have been putting the Toyota C-HR through its paces. Below we have a look at what they had to say, from the compact SUV’s launch event in Madrid to first drives on UK roads.

UK road tests

Andrew English, The Daily Telegraph (print):

“You’ll not find a better example of a hybrid drivetrain than this"

“The C-HR is set up soft but with good body control. So the car barrels down the road, breathing over undulations but not crashing through bumps. It’s strange to drive something so softly sprung but with such good basic handling.

“The C-HR could have been ghastly, but to Toyota’s credit it is not. In fact, it’s likeable and in allowing a softer, more relaxed suspension, is good to drive, too.”

WhatCar?:

“The 1.2-litre petrol is remarkably agile by small SUV standards, staying upright and hanging on gamely through tight twists and turns. Even its steering is accurate, delivering enough feedback to give you confidence through faster bends while staying light during low-speed manoeuvres.

“[It] rides quite well; it isn’t soft and wallowy like some SUVs, so there’s no nausea-inducing body bounce along undulating roads.

“The optional 9-speaker JBL system delivers good sound quality, even when you really crank up the volume.

“[The C-HR is] decent to drive, generously equipped and the hybrid version makes a lot of sense as a company car.”

Matt Saunders, Autocar:

“Thoughtful design and high-quality fit and finish are in plentiful evidence. We like the teardrop-shaped cupholders particularly, made to better admit a travel mug with a handle.

“The car steers with meaty feel and plenty of directional keenness, countering body roll well enough to maintain good resistance to understeer and responding as crisply when adding lock mid-corner as on initial turn-in.

“It rides with balance and sophistication – with just enough gristle in the gait to feel closely controlled over bigger bumps, but quietly and with decent suppleness.”

Read more C-HR and RAV4 owner reviews

Both cars have won accolades that speak for themselves with the C-HR named Best Small Family Car and Car of the Year in the Parkers New Car Awards 2018 and RAV4, the Reliability and Build Quality Gold Winner in the Driver Power 2017 New Car Survey. See what owners have to say in their reviews here.